Michele Mariotti

Just over a year has passed since you officially took over the role of musical director at Bologna’s opera house, the Teatro Comunale, while you were directing “Ballo in Maschera”. Do you feel it is possible to make an appraisal of how this initial phase in Bologna has gone?

Yes, I think we can safely say that this first period has been positive. We have begun to attract the public back to the theatre, especially younger people, by concentrating on new high-quality productions. As far as my own artistic development goes, I’m following a clear path which focuses on the music of Verdi in particular, the Bel Canto repertoire, as well as the “Verismo” tradition.

Your curriculum tells the story of a talented youth who has already achieved many important objectives. Do you still feel the same spirit and motivation as at the beginning of your career?

I’m very happy that my career has taken me to prestigious international opera houses and concert halls, but I believe that it would be rather dangerous to say that one “has arrived” at the age of 37. I don’t feel I have lost either my initial spirit or the stimulus for further study and development. I’ve never seen my career in terms of a race against time. I’ve always considered every choice carefully, without being seized by panic about surmounting the next objective.

Michele Mariotti © Studio Amati

Our magazine is aimed at Russian readers. Can you tell us something about your artistic debt to Russian culture?

Firstly I must confess a “debt of love”, since my wife is a Russian singer. We met while working together at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, during a production of the opera Sigismondo. I have to admit that I have always been fascinated by Russian musical culture, and I believe that I really began to understand it when I had the opportunity to hear it performed by Russian artists. This really helped me to get a feel for the true spirit of the culture and history of this country. One wonderful experience that will always tie me to Russia was the concert in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire in 2013, when I conducted the orchestra and choir of the Teatro Comunale in Verdi’s Requiem.

What is your most recent memory connected with Russia?

Orquesta Municipal de Bolonia

My most recent memories are associated with St Petersburg. It is the city where my wife was born and we often spend time there together. For example, we recently returned to the Ermitage and its incredible treasures.

And what does Michele Mariotti do when he is not conducting?

When I’m not conducting, I study a lot. I always try to be well prepared and ready in good time for what I have to do on stage. I must admit that music and study take up most of my day. In my free time I have a fairly normal life. I spend time with my wife and we like to cook together for our friends, or go out to dinner and enjoy ourselves with them. I also love cycling!

Mariotti ©Rocco.Casaluci 2015